On the morning of July 3, the opening ceremony of the "Discovery Program" 2023 Joint Internship of Geography Departments from two universities, sponsored by the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education and hosted by Lanzhou University's Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs, Student Affairs Office, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the Institute of Glaciology and Desert Research, took place at Room 1615 of Guanyun Building, Lanzhou University. A total of 77 students and faculty members from universities including Hong Kong Baptist University, the University of Hong Kong, Lanzhou University, and Southwest University attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Associate Dean Guan Qingyu of the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Chen Gang, Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs at Lanzhou University, welcomed the participating students and faculty members and expressed his expectations and requirements for the internship activities. He stated that the "Discovery Program" is an important component of the exchange program between mainland China and higher education institutions in Hong Kong and Macao. It provides an excellent opportunity to deepen the understanding of the western region of our motherland and explore the mysteries of nature while gaining a better understanding of China's profound history and culture. It serves as a significant bond for fostering closer connections between mainland China and the youth from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Gansu Province, being one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, offers a distinctive cultural experience different from that of Hong Kong and Southwest China. He emphasized the importance of fostering friendship and strengthening connections between the students during the internship, and expressed hope for deeper collaboration in talent development between Lanzhou University and Hong Kong Baptist University and the University of Hong Kong, as well as the achievement of better outcomes.
Professor Wang Naiang, the initiator of the joint internship and Director of the Institute of Glaciology and Desert Research at Lanzhou University, highlighted the significance of field internships and field teaching in the growth of geography talent. He shared touching stories and experiences from the past 18 years of the joint internship, conveying his hopes and aspirations at three levels: heritage and tradition, righteousness and innovation, and hope and well-wishes. He expressed the belief that this joint internship will promote innovative and demonstrative teaching methods, leverage the unique aspects of cross-regional geography internships, complement teaching resources, learn from each other's teaching approaches, strengthen friendship, and enhance cooperation. He firmly believed that this joint internship, starting from a new point, will continue as a historic activity, bringing forth new achievements.
Chang Hong, Deputy Minister of the Student Affairs Office, and Wei Keran, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, presented the team flags to the leading teachers of this joint internship, including Professor Li Zhuolun and Associate Professor Ding Suting from Lanzhou University, Dr. Wai Chi from Hong Kong Baptist University, and Professor Bai Ying from Southwest University, and extended their best wishes for the success of the activities.
After the opening ceremony, all students and faculty members took a group photo in front of Guanyun Building.
It is reported that since 2006, Lanzhou University has successfully organized fifteen joint internships of geography departments from universities in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao during the summer vacations of 2006-2022. Through these activities, it has greatly promoted the deep understanding of the western region of China and academic progress among Hong Kong students, enhancing the understanding and cooperation between the two regions in talent cultivation and academic and cultural exchanges. The event has attracted media attention and received coverage from various platforms such as Wen Wei Po, Sohu, and People's Daily Online. This joint internship will follow the Silk Road, passing through important geographical units such as the Loess Plateau, Qilian Mountains, Hexi Corridor, Badain Jaran Desert, and Shi Yang River, with an expected journey of 2,500 kilometers. The internship activities will focus on enhancing the academic and professional aspects of field internships, emphasizing scientific research methods and skills development. Various forms of activities, including academic presentations by experts, field investigations, and student-faculty exchanges, will promote in-depth communication between students and faculty members from both regions.
